You know you've succeeded in living a different lifestyle when your kids ask for a glass of Maggie milk because it came from a cow named Maggie. Life around here can be kind of crazy, but with six kids, two milk cows, and other animals, what do you expect?
Join us as we explore life on the farm, large family homeschooling, real food and frugal living here at Grouse Creek Farm.

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Friday, December 20, 2013

O is for Oatmeal!

This one was fun to put together! I took a large Tupperware container. I added about a cup and a half of oatmeal.

I made two batches of oatmeal playdough (1 c oats, 1/2 c water, 1/2 c flour all mixed together + food coloring). I colored one red and one green.

The kids got involved. I asked them to pick things out of the kitchen drawers that they wanted to use. A potato masher, cookie cutters, random lids, an empty medicine bottle and a piece of an old fashion coffee pot were all selected.

We played! Owen liked the playdough. I liked that it wouldn't hurt him when he sampled it. I still stayed with him and tried to keep him from eating it, but at least two small pieces made it down the hatch. He is quick!

Jeffrey and Ellie used the lids to make Os. They poked the middle out with their fingers. They really liked the texture.

Sydney shoved it all in the coffee pot piece. Then she tried to squish it out the bottom, but it was too thick. She then started picking up the oatmeal and letting it fall back down on her arms. She giggled a lot!

Ellie got the idea to try and add the oats to the clay. It became pretty stiff. Then Jeffrey filled up the medicine container with water and tried helping her out. They ended up getting workable clay again.
That's a huge reason why I like sensory play--the kids can explore the materials and try and problem solve on their own. And they work together at it.

Meet My Family

Here are the kids at Grouse Creek Farm

Jayme

Our oldest blessing. Jayme is 12, and a huge helper aound the farm. She is in 7th grade, and can often be found with her nose in a good book. Or writing. Or using Scratch to program something. Click her picture to see her first blog.

Owen

Owen, our 8 year old, has Angelman Syndrome--a deletion on the 15th chromosome. He may not speak, but he always has a lot to say.

Jeffrey

Jeffrey is 6. He enjoys being outside, and is our chief egg collector. He started school this year, and loves it!

Ellie

Our 4 year old Ellie is our girly-girl. She loves dressing up and painting her nails. But, being a girly doesn't stop her from being useful and hardworking on the farm. She helps to feed the cows hay, and chases chickens around the yard. She is joining Jeffrey with school activities this year.

Sydney

3 year old Sydney is full of curiosity and energy. She loves life!

Simon

Our 1 year old. Simon is a delight. He loves to chatter and play with cars. He drives them around on his knees and likes to run over toes of anyone in his way! He is also our climber.

About Me

My name is Lisa. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Bryan. Together we have six children, Jayme, Owen, Jeffrey, Ellie, Sydney and Simon.
I enjoy homeschooling our kids, cooking my family real food, and spending time taking care of the day-day farm chores here at Grouse Creek Farm.
We are a Christian family and strive to please the Lord in all that we do.